Year of Realization - Day 72: Don’t wait until the battle is over, shout now!

“…and the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced. For [at this time] the Jews had light [a dawn of new hope] and gladness and joy and honor. In each and every province and in each and every city, wherever the king’s command and his decree arrived, the Jews celebrated with gladness and joy, a feast and a holiday. And many among the peoples of the land became Jews, for the fear of the Jews [and their God] had fallen on them.”

‭‭Esther‬ ‭8‬:‭15b‬-‭17‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Chances are you’ve probably never heard of a person in the Bible named Jahaziel. So, let’s meet him:

There was a time under King Jehoshaphat of Judah when the people who had been left in the land given to Israel by the Lord decided to come against Israel. In fact, three armies were preparing to take Israel out.

Facing these incredible odds, Jehoshaphat turned to the Lord, presenting his petition. The Lord heard his plea and answered him through Jahaziel.

“He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!””

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭20‬:‭15‬, ‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Now, bear in mind, nothing about their situation has changed except that they have heard a word from the Lord. And yet, the king and the people began to praise the Lord and rejoice.

“Then the Levites from the clans of Kohath and Korah stood to praise the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud shout.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭20‬:‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Not only did they rejoice with only the word of the Lord to encourage them, they went into the battle with singing and rejoicing.

“After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: “Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!””

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭20‬:‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

And, as the people began to sing and rejoice, something amazing happened:

“At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. The armies of Moab and Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed every one of them. After they had destroyed the army of Seir, they began attacking each other.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭20‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

When the army of Judah finally got to the place of battle, no one was left to fight against them. The Lord had fought the battle for them! Additionally, the plunder left, took 3 days to collect.

In our opening scripture we see that the people—having just heard the good news giving them the right to fight their enemy—immediately respond with joy and gladness. Now, they WILL have to fight, but they have the assurance that they will be victorious. Just like the people of Israel in Jehoshaphat’s day, they didn’t wait till the battle was over, they rejoiced just at the word of the decree.

You may be thinking that it would be easy to rejoice ahead of seeing the answer to your prayer if only you had a word from the Lord. Well, you have a book called, “The Bible,” in which there are many great and precious promises. As well, each of these promises is made sure through Jesus Christ.

“For as many as are the promises of God, in Christ they are [all answered] “Yes.” So through Him we say our “Amen” to the glory of God.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭20‬ ‭AMP‬‬

This being the case, what are you waiting for? Don’t wait until the battle is over, shout now! After all, victory is assured for those who belong to the Lord.

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!

#yearofrealization